Whalley Abbey Gatehouse

Whalley Abbey Gatehouse is a surviving entrance to a Cistercian monastery that became one of Lancashire's wealthiest religious houses. Built in the 14th century, it had a first floor probably used as a chapel, above the passage now occupied by the road called The Sands. The surviving masonry offers a small but distinctive glimpse of the abbey's former scale, with the road still passing directly beneath its arches. This English Heritage visit is specifically to the gatehouse exterior; the neighbouring abbey grounds, retreat house and cafe have separate arrangements. There is no access upstairs or into the gatehouse interior. Treat it as a brief stop while exploring Whalley, taking care around traffic and keeping the roadway clear. Look at the structure from safe public approaches on either side, and check local parking restrictions before leaving a vehicle.